Deool

wogma rating: Beg or borrow, but do watch (?)

quick review:

A very satisfying experience. Even if you don't get the language the cast is so expressive without over-doing it that you'd enjoy it. And as usual some brilliant cinematography by Umesh Kulkarni's team.

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Director: Umesh Kulkarni
Running time: 145 minutes
Categories: Regional
More Movie Info

I could watch Deool just the play of light and shade in each of its frame. And this is even more amazing considering the film is set in a village where many a time there's no electrical power and the only source of light is an oil lamp or sometimes just the stars and the moon. Even if I didn't realize how beautiful it is shot, I could watch it just for the village simpletons. Their faces and bodies so expressive, these are true actors each one of them, as if there was no camera in front of them, and I was just observing people from a village where my grandparents live. And yet, Deool has so, so much to offer. So what if it is a little less metaphorical than director, Umesh Kulkarni's earlier venture and so what if it had a couple of avoidable "commercial" elements? I enjoyed the ride that Deool took me on.

Deool is about the transformation of Mangrul, a village in the remotest interiors of Maharashtra. It is a satirical journey of Mangrul's belief in religion and the blind faith that accompanies it. And Mangrul is only a representation of the common population, us.

Deool argues about the definition of development in a village that is so behind that basic necessities like water and electricity are missing in action. Is it so bad then if the village gets these simple needs by using blind faith as a stepping stone? Though I'm not sure Deool stays non-judgmental it sure does a good job of presenting both sides.

Deool talks about capitalism and business in religion; it showcases the strength of women and at the same time the hypocrisy of the political system all in one breath.

And all of this is narrated fluidly. The sedentary village and its laid-back residents go from one event to another and before you realize that you know the characters and their quirks, their intentions and motivations. This is as much a result of the immaculate dialogue-writing as it is the way/dialect in which it's delivered. And this is even though I watched a non-subtitled version. I surely must've missed out on a few punch lines.

The actors take entertainment to the next level. Even the exaggerated tones seem acceptable because they make you laugh so hard. There were at least a couple of scenes where my mouth was wide open because of the ridiculous way in which things were unfolding - because I knew this could so happen in my village too. There were a few other scenes which created beautiful and/or insightful moments. I especially enjoyed the exchanges between Nana Patekar and Dilip Prabhavalkar.

Mentioning just these two names is a huge disservice to the rest of the cast, but the list is so long and every villager that comes on screen leaves an impression. Let me also quickly add that there were a couple of scenes where Nana Patekar overdid it. But, that hardly took away from the film.

That doesn't mean that there were no eliminable elements at all because at 2.5 hours, Deool is a little too long. Also a tad disappointing is the introduction of "commercial" elements in an Umesh Kulkarni film. Is Umesh succumbing? Because it is not only about an item number and a cameo by a "bigger" Hindi actor. Those we can, this once, grant benefit of doubt to, under the cloak of "the need of the script". But, he also seems to have gone that extra mile to explain the metaphors and not left it to his usual subtle style.

But hey, I don't mind a little commerce with my art. Deool in many ways is Valu - Part 2. It carries the same tone and texture AND it leaves a tiny "not as good as" the first part feel. Yet, it is a wholesome and entertaining experience.

- meeta, a part of the audience

External reviews for this movie are not available

6 tweeters(?) - 6 yays 0 so-so 0 nays

srirampatil: Deul an amazing movie a must watch #marathi@Bored_Alot@s4n8eep

SamruddhiR: Wtched 'Deul' a Marathi film hv to say tht marathi film quality has imprved a LOT mst wtch 4 amzng direct'n & grt perfrmnces & amzng music.

pawarrohit36: deul vry nice movieeeeeee

imTusharGaikar: "DEUL (Temple).. Excellent movie.. Classic satire.. lot of reading in between the lines.. If u can read it.. U get it..

connar101: Bought two books..followed by shopping, an awesome Marathi movie #Deul and a great family dinner..watta Saturday! #weekend #win

aparanjape: #Deool #Marathi - Brilliant! Must Watch. Wish Bollywood makes movies even a fraction as good. @wogma review: http://wogma.com/movie/deool-review/

4 readers - 4 yays 0 so-so 0 nays

Want to Watch, by Mimi

Yay! Thumbs Up, by pallavi

Yay! Thumbs Up, by P.D.Manjrekar

Yay! Thumbs Up, by Sushil T

Yay! Thumbs Up, by WILLIAMSJI MAVELI : An excellent movie

This page has additional observations, other than the ones noted in the main review.

Parental Guidance:

  • Violence: One scene with a man being beaten up.
  • Language: Village-speak Marathi. A few swear words.
  • Nudity & Sexual content: A couple of scenes where love-making is being alluded to.
  • Concept: That of blind faith
  • General Look and Feel: Very pretty

Detailed Ratings (out of 5):

Direction:
Story:
Lead Actors:
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Music Director:
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Deool - Cast, crew, links

Official Sites:
Screenplay:
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Running time:
145 minutes
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Comments (5)

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@shrinand Sincere apologies. Have deleted his name. This is not an excuse but an explanation on why that happened - I do make it a point that cameos and item number appearances don't show in the cast/crew. Recently, I've hired someone to do the data-feeding for me. He hasn't seen the film, so wouldn't no who plays what role, he makes a judgement from the credits on imdb/official site of the film. I've now set up a process for checking the cast/crew when the review gets published.

@Sushil really? For me Valu created an equally real and intriguing village. A village that I might not have been to but could believe existed.

Mimi

I'm madly in love with Nana Patekar

The Marathi movie is an excellent one. I had the chance to watch the movie at a FILM FESTIVAL, held in Angamaly, Ernakulam, Kerala. Congrats to the Film Director and other participants in the movie. Regards
WILLIAMSJI MAVELI
EDITOR
http://www.thefilmmagazine.com

Kalpesh

The Marathi film industry churns out close to 100 movies a year as compared to 1000+ Hindi movies that are released every year. While the cost of production of a mid-budget Marathi movie is Rs 1.5 crore, the budget touches Rs 3.5 crore for a big budget Marathi movie. On the other hand, promotions budgets are in the range of Rs 1.5 - 2 crore, which includes advertising, distribution and release cost. I am conducting a survey in which I am trying to find out what attracts viewers to watch Marathi movie. Please take out few minutes of your busy schedule & fill the survey. Link for the survey is: http://goo.gl/forms/etU6FM9Ehr

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